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🏡 Don’t rain on our parade
See home plans like the Arabella Two brought to life on the Spring Parade of Homes. | Photo provided by Hulbert Homes
Whether you’re on the market or just window shopping, start planning your route on the Polk County Builders Association’s Spring Parade of Homes.
Take free, self-guided tours of new construction homes over two weekends: Saturday, April 26-Sunday, April 27 or Saturday, May 3-Sunday, May 4. There are 21 homes (and one pool) in the parade this year — we wouldn’t miss these three.
The Arabella Two | Hulbert Homes
This house is striking due to both its eye-catching black-and-white exterior and its size — with 5,243 total sqft of living space, it’s one of this year’s largest homes.
Homes are available for drop-in, self-guided tours 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on parade days.
The Berkeley | Fuqua Construction
A storybook-style cottage feel, brick floors, and custom wood cabinetry throughout make this the coziest home on the list.
The Casa De Floe | Webb HomeBuilders
This massive waterfront estate is the only virtual entry in the parade. Click through for a glimpse at the theatre, dance studio, tequileria, and more unique features.
Tomorrow is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, a chance to safely dispose of unneeded medications. Bring yours in a clear plastic bag to the Lakeland Police Department’s drive-thru drop-off from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Arts
Have you picked up your Mural Passport yet? Jonathan Rodriguez, the project manager behind the program, shared that the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency’s ultimate goal behind public art like this is to increase property values and drive foot traffic to local businesses. (FOX 13 News)
Seasonal
Here comes the sun. Harvest Holler in Polk City is opening its gates tomorrow for the Sunflower Spring Fling. Head there 10 a.m.-7 p.m. to get lost in a sunflower maze and meet the new baby cows. The event returns the next two Saturdays, May 2 and May 9.
Outdoors
Those insects you see in droves outside are likely aquatic midges, which are thriving right now due to low lake levels and higher nutrient levels. Polk County Mosquito Control can’t spray for them, so turn off porch lights to keep them away from your home. (LkldNow)
Try This
We have a smART idea: joining the Florida Air Museum’s new adults-only class that combines STEM concepts + art. Register for the first smART class on Saturday, May 30, where you can learn to create a negative image without a camera, aka an anthotype.
Award
Polk County Fire Rescue gave its first Community Hero Award to retired PCSO Master Deputy Mark Trexler, who called for help when an ambulance crew was injured in a crash in December. Thanks to Trexler’s calm response, paramedic John Parris and EMT Eryn Orduna received quick care.
Edu
Graduation season begins tonight, with Southeastern University students walking the stage at the RP Funding Center. Other local colleges will follow in the coming weeks, and Polk County Public Schools ceremonies will begin on Saturday, May 9. See the schedule.
Arts
Mayfaire by-the-Lake® returns to the shores of Lake Morton this Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday, May 9-Sunday, May 10. Festival entry is free both days, with 150+ artists to explore and hands-on kids activities. Meet the artists.*
Giveaway
The Terrace Hotel & Grille’s Annual Giveaway Week returns Monday, April 27-Friday, May 1. Follow Terrace Grille and Terrace Hotel on Instagram to enter all four giveaways, with some of the biggest prizes to date.*
Edu
Want to launch a career in exercise science, athletic training, physical therapy, or occupational therapy? Southeastern University’s Kinesiology programs offer various degree paths to meet your goals, with tons of hands-on experience. Get a sneak peek of what students can expect in this Reel from our recent campus visit.*
Pro Tip
Leave parking stress at home on your next trip by booking parking at MCO in advance. No hidden fees, a guaranteed parking spot, and flexible reservations that allow you to change or cancel until the day before your trip. Book in four easy steps.*
Finance
If your budget feels tighter than it used to, it might be time to rethink a few everyday expenses. Read this list of 19 money-saving strategies and create a little breathing room in your budget.*
Event Spotlight
Teams have been fundraising for LVIM for months leading up to tonight’s event.
Hold your horses. Tonight is Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine’s annual Swan Derby, where teams of jockeys will paddle across Lake Mirror in swan boats rather than race on horseback.
All are welcome to watch the races, groove to live music, and grab a bite from food trucks around the Frances Langford Promenade. The party starts at 5:30 p.m., and it’s free to attend. Just don’t forget to don your best derby hat to win a prize.
Mother’s Day is quickly approaching. Shop some of our favorite unique gifts for the occasion at five different price points.
💖 Under 10: These mini vase fridge magnets spell out “mom” + include decorative blooms that can last a lifetime.
💖 Under $25: This magnolia bloom candle features hand-crafted petals and leaves + doubles as a decorative accent.
💖 Under $50: Let them know how much they mean to you with this embroidered mom of the year baseball hat.
💖 Under $75: Never let their coffee or tea go cold thanks to this sleek mug warmer with real-time temperature control.
💖 Under $100: Spark laughter with this charming thou shall not try me needlepoint pillow.
The Lakeland Book Crawl is in full swing, and you can find deals on books all over town. I made an early stop at BookaReaderville this week, and wow. The store is jam-packed with used books priced at $4 or less, and if you buy two during the crawl, you’ll get one free. I snagged a cozy mystery to read this weekend.
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